Does dental anxiety keep you from getting the care you need? If so, sedation could be a great option for you!
Sedation dentistry allows you to feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable during your dental procedure. Often referred to as “twilight sleep,” this technique creates a state of deep relaxation, short-term amnesia, and insensitivity to pain while you remain conscious or lightly asleep. With options ranging from mild relaxation to hospital-level sedation, we tailor the approach to meet your needs.
This level of care is ideal for patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing complex or lengthy treatments, ensuring a stress-free and pain-free experience.
Dental anxiety is common and can stem from various triggers like needles, drills, or past negative experiences. It’s important to know that even extreme dental anxiety is manageable and shouldn’t prevent you from receiving the care you need.
At Nashville Wisdom Teeth & Implant Solutions, we use sedation to help patients stay calm and comfortable throughout their entire treatment. Sedation not only ensures a pain-free experience but also creates a mild amnesic effect, leaving you with little to no memory of the procedure—helping you move forward with confidence and ease.
Here at Nashville Wisdom Teeth & Implant Solutions, we offer a number of options for sedation depending on what is the right fit for you:
Commonly known as “laughing gas,” this is a mild form of sedation that helps you feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures. Administered through a mask, it takes effect quickly and wears off just as fast, allowing you to resume normal activities after your appointment.
This type of sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment to help you feel deeply relaxed and at ease. While you remain awake and responsive, you may feel drowsy or have little memory of the procedure, making it a good option for patients with dental anxiety or undergoing longer treatments.
IV sedation is administered directly into your bloodstream, providing a deeper level of relaxation and allowing you to remain calm and comfortable throughout your procedure. Though you’ll still be responsive, many patients feel drowsy and usually have no memory of their treatment afterward.
This option involves general anesthesia administered by a certified anesthesiologist. Hospital-level sedation provides the highest level of both safety and comfort, allowing you to be completely asleep for your procedure and wake up with the treatment complete.
Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective option for patients with dental phobias, sensitive teeth, difficulty getting numb, complex dental issues, or a strong gag reflex. It’s also ideal for those with anxiety or who struggle with lengthy procedures.
Before treatment, Dr. Morton will review your medical history, medications, and allergies to ensure you’re a good candidate. For certain conditions like hypertension, clearance from your doctor may be needed. During your procedure, your vital signs are closely monitored by a dedicated team member using state-of-the-art equipment for your safety.
Before the appointment:
Avoid eating or drinking for 10 hours prior, and take your usual medication with a sip of water unless instructed otherwise. Refrain from smoking for 24 hours, wear comfortable clothing (no jewelry, nail polish, or contact lenses), and brush your teeth beforehand.
After the appointment:
You’ll have a brief recovery period before being released to your companion, who will drive you home. Expect some drowsiness and plan to rest for the day. Avoid alcohol, driving, and strenuous activities for 24 hours, and take any prescribed medications as directed.
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